The Zendo Project w/Valerie Beltran & Chelsea Rose – What Happens When a Trip Goes Sideways

In this powerful episode of Divergent States, we’re joined by Valerie Beltran and Chelsea Rose-Pires of the Zendo Project- an organization redefining harm reduction and compassionate care at festivals, events, and beyond.We explore how the Zendo Project began as a MAPS initiative and evolved into its own nonprofit dedicated to supporting people through difficult psychedelic experiences and emotional crises, not with judgment or clinical detachment, but with radical empathy and peer support.From creating safe spaces at Burning Man to launching training programs for crisis responders, Valerie and Chelsea offer insight into how the Zendo Project is transforming both event culture and the broader conversation around mental health, community care, and psychedelics.Whether you’ve had a challenging trip, want to support others through non-ordinary states, or are just curious about what real-world harm reduction looks like, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.🧘‍♀️ Learn how just being present can change lives. 🧠 Discover why “sitting, not guiding” is a revolutionary principle. 💬 And find out how you can get involved, support their mission, or even join them in the field.✨ “You don’t have to be altered to walk into the Zendo. You just have to be human.” – Valerie Beltran🔗 Learn more or get involved: zendoproject.org 💚 Donate. Volunteer. Sit with someone. It matters.Forgot to mention on the episode, but big thanks to Future Boogz for letting us feature their track on this episode! Ach for the art, Brad for the help, and all of the Patreon Supporters! All content in Ask Me Anything sessions are for educational purposes only. Zendo Project does not provide any legal, medical or mental health advice. Consult with a lawyer, doctor, or mental health therapist before making any significant decisions for your own situation. Any references to third party websites or service providers are made without any warranties, express or implied. All participants should conduct their own due diligence on any third party websites or professionals before engaging in any conduct. Zendo Project does not encourage or facilitate any illegal conduct.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Zendo Project and Festival Collaboration04:06 Understanding the Zendo Project's Mission and History10:27 The Role of Outreach and Community Support14:46 Experiencing a Zendo Session: What to Expect17:56 Collaboration with Medical Services and Event Producers21:11 Challenges in Harm Reduction Awareness23:57 Exciting New Partnerships and Initiatives27:39 Success Stories and Impact of the Zendo Project32:10 The Impact of Zendo Project34:06 Getting Involved: Training and Community36:13 Education and Outreach in Psychedelic Spaces39:06 Navigating Adverse Experiences42:45 Challenges in Providing Services44:01 Future Vision and Growth of Zendo Project48:10 Inclusivity and Accessibility in Support Services52:08 Integration After Experiences54:57 How to Support Zendo ProjectSend us Fan MailFiresideProject.orgDownload the app or text/call 62-FIRESIDEZendo ProjectOur listeners get 10% off the Zendo Project SIT Program with the code DIVERGENTS10Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSpecial Thanks to our Macrodosers, Super D and Mike, and our Thumbprint Tier member, Angie on Patreon!  https://linktr.ee/3L1T3Mod